Odisha to seek trademark shield for Puri temple

BHUBANESWAR: Odisha govt has decided to secure trademark rights for several words and phrases associated with Jagannath Temple in Puri.The decision comes in the wake of a recent controversy over the naming of a newly built temple in Bengal's Digha as 'Jagannath dham'. Odisha objected to the use of the word 'dham', arguing that 'Jagannath dham' refers exclusively to the Puri shrine - one of India's four sacred 'dhams' - and its use elsewhere diluted its religious and cultural significance."The terms sought to be shielded include 'Jagannath dham', 'shree mandira', 'Purushottam kshetra', 'neelachal dham', 'bada danda', 'mahaprasad' and 'neela chakra'," Arabinda Padhee, chief administrator of Shree Jagannath Temple Administration, said.Experts, scholars back Odisha's trademark move on Puri temple The final list of words is being finalised. Once we get the trademark rights, their unauthorised use will be considered a violation and invite legal action. These terms are deeply rooted in ancient Hindu scriptures and are intrinsically linked to culture and traditions involving Jagannath, Arabinda Padhee, chief administrator of SJTA, said.State govt is currently gathering necessary documents and historical evidence to support its claims. SJTA further said that it would soon move the department for promotion of industry and internal trade under Union ministry of commerce and industry, which oversees the application process.Officials maintained that the absence of any existing trademark rights for these terms has limited their ability to legally challenge use of the name 'Jagannath dham' by Digha temple authorities.Cultural experts and religious scholars in Odisha supported the decision. Dibyasingha Deb, Puri king and chairman of Jagannath Temple managing committee, laid stress on preservation of exclusivity of Jagannath tradition. "We support new Jagannath temples worldwide, provided they adhere to the main temple's traditions and culture," he said.